There aren’t any new chicks to warden for the weekend of the 7th & 8th Jan but below is a general update provided by Parks Victoria.

It demonstrates there could be a number of chicks in the future, if we are lucky.

The FoHp together with Birds Australia are holding two workshops/training days on the Mornington Peninsula.

The  day begins at 10am with an indoor presentation about the life and behaviours of the Hooded Plover, followed by a beach visit.

We will try to visit a beach with chicks, but that’s not always possible.
Each workshop lasts approximately 2 two hours.

This workshop is for all those interested in Hooded Plovers – beginners and experienced bird watchers.
There is always something to learn from the ‘Beach Nesting Team’.
It is also important to update skills, hear about new ideas and what has been happening on the Peninsula.

This year we have had an Honours student placing cameras at nest sites, her findings are very interesting. 

I encourage all members and friends to come.

Dates are:

St Andrews Beach

 Date : Tuesday 10th January

Time : 10am
 Location: St Andrews Recreation Hall, 99 Bass Meadows BLVD ( Melways Ref 251 K6)

Sorrento
 
Date: Wednesday 11th January

Time: 10am
 Location: Sorrento-Portsea RSL, SB – 1-3 Hurley St. Sorrento.

The outdoor presentation means we need to be prepared for any weather ( sunscreen/ wet weather gear)
Bring binoculars if you have them, we will have some to share.

RSVP – hploversmornpen@gmail.com
              

Diane Lewis 0419320205

Unfortunately, the Portsea chicks died. Not many chicks have survived past a week this season on the Mornington Peninsula

There are 2 Hooded Plover chicks at Portsea Back Beach, East of the Surf Life Saving club. Last year one chick survived for nearly 20 days until it was taken by a Kestrel. However, having wardens can help with public education. The longer the chicks last the more people see them and hopefully, better understand sharing a beach rather than dominating it.

The location of the chicks is pretty easy. Drive into the entrance of the park, turn left, keep on that road, (not right) until you end up in the car park where the toilet is located.

Go down the steps until you get on the beach and turn left. The chicks are very close to the steps to the beach.

All being well the warden box will be there for you. Please sign the sheet and provide comments.

Boags Rocks is where you may find the latest couple of Hooded Plover chicks for the season.

We are not encouraging wardening on this beach as there are not many people who access this site but if your interested and your careful not to disturb the chicks and parents, this beach has been successful over the last two years. Mind out for horses.

Currently there are newly hatched Hooded Plover chicks at the Melbourne Water outfall, which is a region of National Park that has low visitation by people but dozens of horses. Despite the horses, in recent years there has been good success at raising chicks on this section of beach without wardens.

In the mean time, below is a newsletter from Birds Australia about Hooded Plover conservation. Enjoy, (may take awhile to download)

Word about the Hood 6th Edition Dec 2011

Unfortunately the Moana court chick didn’t make it. It was missing from Monday afternoon and currently there are no other chicks that require Wardening. Despite approaching the halfway point of the breeding season, we have yet to have a chick survive in the Mornington Peninsula National Park.

In the mean time, you may wish to put the 28th of December in your diary. On the morning of the 28th we will be holding a Banner Painting activity at the St Andrews Recreation Centre. Starting at 10 AM and finishing around midday. Feel free to join us.

Only moments before this photograph was taken, Kim diverted a dog that was not on a lead, away from the nine (9) day old Hooded Plover chick. Like your work Kim.

The Moana Court chick was still alive Friday morning, (2nd December) which is great news. With a bit of effort and luck there is a good chance it will survive another week. If it survives more than 15 days the chances of survival is very good.

Location below. The Warden tub will be next to the banner and please put comments on the clipboard. Also, thanks to those who helped last weekend, much appreciated.

Unfortunately the Rye West chick did not make it. This year all Hooded Plover chicks in the Mornington Peninsula National Park have died.

But we do have some more chicks at St Andrews. See the map below.

Please give us a hand to keep these little birds alive. Visit the beach and try being a Warden. The warden box will be nearby the banner on weekends. Call me any time on 0403 997 831